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Vic Fangio gets real about Philadelphia Eagles' latest addition of Jakorian Bennett and the cornerback competition

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kelsey Kramer | Last updated Aug 10, 2025 3:50 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles raised eyebrows earlier this week by trading defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for veteran cornerback Jakorian Bennett.

The move hinted at the team's uncertainty about their options to replace Darius Slay opposite Quinyon Mitchell, which was a concern that became apparent during their preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Kelee Ringo gave up four catches for 79 yards and a score while Adoree’ Jackson allowed four catches for 45 yards.

Eagles' defensive coordinator Vic Fangio called it a great learning lesson for both of them.

“Yeah, obviously they had some tough assignments in that game going against that quarterback and those receivers,” Fangio said. “But I think it's a great learning experience for both of them and hopefully they'll both come back.

“Obviously, Kelee had more balls thrown his way than Adoree' did, but I think it's great that happened and we'll see how much they can grow from that.”

The worst of it came early in the game when Ringo was smoked by Bengals' star Ja'Marr Chase, giving up a 36-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.

“Yeah, he’s got to tackle,” Fangio said. “I'm not upset that the guy caught the ball on him. I'm upset that he didn't tackle him and he's got to realize where he is on the field, use the sideline, realize who he's going against. Those are all things you got to process and factor in a millisecond and he didn't do a good job of that in that play, but I expect him to learn from that and I expect them to improve from that.”

Ringo and Jackson have no choice but to improve, especially with Bennett now in the mix.

Fangio stopped short of saying the Eagles view Bennett as a potential starter, but he didn’t rule it out, either.

“Possibly,” Fangio said. “I mean everybody's got the right to compete out here. I think we need to get his feet under him and get our eyes on him and see what happens over the next few weeks.”